Arts & Culture
Mayor John Marks is a firm believer in the power of arts and culture and the positive impact they have on our community. As Mayor of Tallahassee, he has laid a plan to improve the economic environment of this community and arts and cultural enhancement is a key component to that plan.
Economic Impact of Arts & Culture
- Every dollar invested in the arts is returned more than eight-fold to the local community.
- Cultural facilities are one of the top factors cited by business executives when deciding where to relocate their companies.
- 60% of local young professionals cite arts & culture as their top priority in choosing a city to live and work in.
The Council on Culture and Arts
COCA, the Council on Culture & Arts, is appointed by the Mayor of Tallahassee and Leon County Commission, and is the lifeblood of Tallahassee's arts and cultural endeavors. As a non-profit organization, COCA serves as the facilitator and voice for the arts and cultural industry in Florida's capital area. The COCA event calendar, www.MoreThanYouThought.com, allows users to search for all kinds of events that are happening in town. The COCA website, www.cocanet.org, provides information about museums, producers of arts exhibits, concerts and shows, has listings of local artists and answers to questions about the arts and history in and around Tallahassee.
The Cultural Plan, completed in 2003 by the community and implemented through COCA, provides a master plan for Tallahassee's cultural enhancement efforts. Two major cultural initiatives, a performing arts center and a project known as the Arts Exchange, were recommended in that Cultural Plan. Those projects currently in the early implementation stages will increase entertainment, involvement and educational opportunities for citizens and visitors.